Bombay archbishop warns Catholics against Ecumenical Church

MUMBAI, Maharashtra (Indian Catholic News) — The Archbishop of Bombay has warned Catholics that participation in liturgical services and sacraments of “The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ” is contrary to Catholic discipline. He said those attending are doing so “at their own spiritual risk”.

In a pastoral letter dated May 25, Archbishop John Rodrigues addressed concerns arising from reports circulating on social media and in print media regarding “The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ” and its relationship with the Catholic Church led by Pope Leo XIV.

“This Pastoral Letter is issued in response to the recent queries concerning reports circulating on social media and in the print media about ‘The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ’ and its status vis-à-vis the Catholic Church headed by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” Archbishop Rodrigues wrote.

The archbishop cited Canon 205 of the Code of Canon Law, saying full communion with the Catholic Church requires unity in “the profession of the Catholic faith, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical governance under the Roman Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him”.

Archbishop Rodrigues also reminded Catholics that the Catholic Church comprises “24 autonomous churches: the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, all in communion with the Pope”.

Communion with Rome

“Based on the above, and after due inquiry and consultation, I wish to categorically state that ‘The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ’ is not in full communion with the Catholic Church under the leadership of the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV,” the archbishop said.

“Although the said body uses the word ‘Catholic’ in its title, it does not belong to the Catholic Church headed by the Roman Pontiff,” he added.

Archbishop Rodrigues warned Catholics against participating in the sacramental life of communities not fully united with Rome.

“I also wish to remind the faithful that participation in the liturgical services and reception of sacraments in communities not in full communion with the Catholic Church may place them in a situation contrary to the discipline and communion of the Catholic Church,” he said.

The archbishop noted that although the Catholic Church recognises “the validity of certain sacraments in some Churches”, such recognition “does not imply full ecclesial communion or permission for ordinary participation in their sacramental life”.

“Hence, Catholics attending services and receiving sacraments in ‘The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ’ are doing so at their own spiritual risk and contrary to the norms and discipline of the Catholic Church,” Rodrigues said.

“In an age of confusion and misinformation, we must remain rooted in the authentic teaching, sacramental life, and ecclesial communion of the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV,” he added.

The archbishop encouraged Catholics seeking clarification on the matter to approach their parish priests or the chancery at the Archbishop’s House.

Read the full pastoral letter.